U.S. patent application number 10/192290 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for cleaning compositions and method for cleaning carpets and other materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Aubay, Eric, DeSantis, Marco, Geffroy, Cedric Willy, Labeau, Marie-Pierre Catherine, Resta, Stefano, Scialla, Stefano, Todini, Oreste.
Application Number | 20030092589 10/192290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23177455 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030092589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Todini, Oreste ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Cleaning compositions and method for cleaning carpets and other
materials
Abstract
Cleaning compositions and methods for cleaning carpets and other
materials are disclosed. The cleaning compositions contain
nanolatexes and the methods for cleaning carpets and other
materials use such compositions.
Inventors: |
Todini, Oreste; (Rome,
IT) ; Resta, Stefano; (Rome, IT) ; DeSantis,
Marco; (Rome, IT) ; Scialla, Stefano; (Rome,
IT) ; Geffroy, Cedric Willy; (Paris, FR) ;
Labeau, Marie-Pierre Catherine; (Paris, FR) ; Aubay,
Eric; (Perreux sure Marne, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
23177455 |
Appl. No.: |
10/192290 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60304668 |
Jul 11, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/278 ;
510/361; 510/475; 510/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/0031 20130101;
C11D 3/3796 20130101; C11D 3/50 20130101; C11D 3/3765 20130101;
C11D 3/3773 20130101; C11D 17/0013 20130101; C11D 11/0017
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/278 ;
510/361; 510/475; 510/476 |
International
Class: |
C11D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An aqueous carpet cleaning composition comprising: a nanolatex
polymer comprising less than about 5% of the composition by weight;
water, wherein said nanolatex polymer forms a suspension therein;
at least one surfactant, said at least one surfactant level
comprising less than about 5% of the composition by weight; and
perfume.
2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the Tg of the
nanolatex polymer is greater than about 25.degree. C.
3. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the nanolatex polymer
comprises a plurality of particles with an average particle size of
less than or equal to about 500 nm.
4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein nanolatex polymer
comprises: hydrophobic monomers "units" (N) that are uncharged or
non-ionizable at the pH of said composition in normal conditions of
use; optionally at least one hydrophilic monomer unit (F) chosen
from the group consisting of: (F1) cationic or cationizable
monomers at the pH of said composition in normal conditions of use;
(F2) amphoteric monomers at the pH of said composition in normal
conditions of use; (F3) anionic or anionizable monomers at the pH
of said composition in normal conditions of use; (F4) uncharged or
non-ionizable hydrophilic monomers at the pH of said composition in
normal conditions of use; any combination thereof; and optionally,
at least one reticulating unit (R).
5. The composition according to claim 4 wherein said monomer units
(N) and (F) are derived from .alpha.-.beta. monoethylenically
unsaturated monomers and optionally wherein said monomer units (R)
are derived from diethylenically unsaturated monomers.
6. The composition according to claim 4 wherein said hydrophobic
units (N) are derived from vinylaromatic monomers, .alpha.-.beta.
fatty acid alkylester monoethylenically unsaturated, vinylesters or
allyl of saturated carboxylic acids, .alpha.-.beta. nitriles
monoethylenically unsaturated.
7. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the cationic or
cationisable hydrophilic units (F1) are derived from
N,N(dialkylaminoalkyl)amides of .alpha.-.beta. carboxylic acids
monoethylenically unsaturated, of .alpha.-.beta. aminoesters
monoethylenically unsaturated, monomers which are precursors of
primary amine functions by hydrolysis.
8. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said amphoteric
hydrophilic units (F2) are derived from:
N,N-dimethyl-N-methacryloyloxyethyl-N-(3-sul- fopropyl)
sulfobetaine ammonium, from N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-methacrylamidoethy-
l)-N-(3-sulfopropyl) betaine ammonium, from
1-vinyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl) betaine imidazolidium, from
1-(3-sulfopropyl)-2-vinylpyridinium betaine, are also derived from
the reaction of quaternization of N(dialkylaminoalkyl) amides of
.alpha.-.beta. carboxylic acids ethylenically unsaturated or from
.alpha.-.beta. aminoesters monoethylenically unsaturated by a
alkali metal chloroacetate or sultone propane chloroacetate.
9. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said hydrophilic
anionic or anionisable (F3) units are derived from .alpha.-.beta.
monomers monoethylenically unsaturated having at least one
carboxylic function, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically
unsaturated having at least one sulfate or sulfonate function,
.alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically unsaturated having at
least one phosphonate or phosphate function, and their hydrosoluble
salts, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically unsaturated
being precursors of carboxylate function(s) by hydrolysis.
10. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said hydrophilic
uncharged or non-oinizable (F4) units are derived from
.alpha.-.beta. hydroxyalkylester acids monoethylenically
unsaturated, from .alpha.-.beta. amide acids monoethylenically
unsaturated, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers ethylenically unsaturated
carrying a hydrosoluble polyoxyalkylened segment, from
.alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically unsaturated being
precursors of vinylic alcohol units or polyvynilic alcohol segments
by polymerization then hydrolysis, or from methacrylamido of
2-imidazolidinone ethyl.
11. A composition according to claim 4 wherein said reticulating
unit (R) is derived from divinylbenzene, from ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate, from allyl methacrylate, from methylene bis
(acrylamide), from glyoxal bis (acrylamide).
12. The composition according to claim 4 wherein the choice and the
relative amount of said monomer or monomers from which are derived
the unit(s) (N), (F) and (R) of the polymer (P) are such that said
polymer (P) has a Tg between about 25.degree. C. and about
150.degree. C., and remains non-soluble in the operating conditions
of the composition.
13. A composition according to claim 4 wherein at least about 70%
of the total mass of said polymer (P) is composed of hydrophobic
(N) units and optionally not more than about 30% of the total mass
of said polymer (P) is composed of hydrophilic (F) units, and less
than about 20% of the total mass of said polymer (P) is composed of
reticulating units.
14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the cleaning
composition comprises at least a nanolatex with at least an
uncharged or non-ionisable polymer (P1) comprising: at least 70% by
weight of hydrophobic monomer units (N); optionally, at least 1% by
weight of uncharged or non-ionisable hydrophilic monomer units
(F4); and optionally, no more than 20% by weight of uncharged or
non-ionisable reticulating units (R).
15. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the nanolatex
polymer comprises alkylmethacrylate and/or styrene units,
optionally carboxylic acid, and/or styrene sulfonic acid
functionalities.
16. A composition according to claim 1 further comprising a
bleaching agent.
17. A composition according to claim 1 further comprising a
fluorinated compound.
18. A composition according to claim 1 further comprising a soil
release polymer.
19. A composition according to claim 1 further comprising a
solvent.
20. A composition according to claim 1 further comprising a
divalent cation.
21. A method of cleaning carpets, said method comprising the steps
of: (a) locating a carpet; (b) spraying a carpet cleaning
composition on at least a portion of said carpet, said carpet
cleaning composition comprising a nanolatex material and water; (c)
allowing said carpet cleaning composition to dry; and (d)
optionally removing said carpet cleaning composition from said
carpet.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said step (b) comprises spraying
said carpet cleaning composition onto said carpet by a trigger,
pump or electrical sprayer, wherein the electrical sprayer is
battery or power operated.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein said step (b) comprises spraying
said carpet cleaning composition onto said carpet with a sprayer
that produces a droplet size greater than about 200 nm.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/304,668, filed Jul. 11, 201.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and
methods for cleaning carpets, and other materials. More
particularly, the present invention relates to cleaning
compositions that contain nanolatexes and methods for cleaning
carpets and other materials which use such compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Polymer solutions or dispersions have been proposed for
carpet cleaning. For example, PCT Publication WO9407980 describes a
carpet shampoo composition containing polymers that become water
dispersible or water soluble upon neutralization with an alkaline
compound, in combination with a specific type of wax and silicone
betaine polymers. Aqueous compositions comprising a sulfonated
copolyester are described in PCT Publication WO0138467. PCT
Publication WO0026330 describes the use of vinyl methyl
ether-maleic acid copolymers for carpet cleaning. PCT Publication
WO9615308 describes the use of soil suspending polycarboxylate or
polyamine polymers for improving the particulate soil removal
performance in carpet cleaning. U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,859 describes
the use of dispersed polymer solubilized by ammonia or volatile
amines addition in combination with polyvalent cations for the
modification of carpet shampoo composition or the finishing of
carpet fibers. Other patents are directed to the use of polymeric
compositions for other purposes relating to carpets (see, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,383 directed to an acrylic polymer
containing epoxy units for use as a permanent finish on the carpet,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,881 for latexes used as a binder in carpet
coating compositions). However, unless the polymer is used for one
of these other purposes unrelated to cleaning, the polymer material
must be easily removable by vacuuming.
[0004] Polish Patent Publication 172084 is directed to a
composition for cleaning rugs, carpets, upholstery and similar
textile materials that comprises an aqueous dispersion containing
fine particles of an acrylic polymer or styrene-acrylic copolymer
having a minimal film-forming temperature of 60 degrees, and 5-50
weight parts of a surface active agent. South African Patent
Publication 6704138 is directed to a composition for application to
a fiber or fiber assembly which comprises a stable shampoo
concentrate, a stabilized aqueous non-film forming dispersion of a
styrene polymer, and water with all of the particles of the
dispersed polymer having a diameter of 0.01 to 2.0 microns.
[0005] There is a desire to incorporate increasing levels of
polymer into such carpet cleaning compositions to improve soil
removal. However, if the concentration of the polymer is too high
(in one non-limiting example, above 7%), the composition will leave
a residue behind, even after vacuuming. Such a residue can cause
several negative effects, including whitening of the carpet (since
the polymeric material is generally white in color if the polymer
is of a non-film forming type), or change in the color of the
carpet, and harshness of feel of the carpet. It has also been found
that providing a composition with too high a level of sufactant can
lead to problems. Increasing the level of surfactant can lower the
minimal film forming temperature of the composition, resulting in
the formation of films which are more difficult to remove by
vacuuming.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for a composition which form polymer
aggregates on the carpet surface which are easily removed by
vacuuming. If the composition is not removed sufficiently from the
carpet, it may tend to increase the tendency for the carpet to
retain future soils.
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide compositions and methods for the cleaning of carpets (among
other materials) by the use of liquid nanolatex containing
compositions which, in the case of carpets, upon spraying on the
carpet and let to dry form easy to vacuum polymer aggregates.
[0008] These and other objects of the present invention will become
more readily apparent when considered in reference to the following
description and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention relates to compositions and methods for
cleaning carpets and other materials. More particularly, the
present invention relates to water based cleaning compositions that
contain nanolatexes and methods for cleaning carpets and other
materials which use such compositions.
[0010] The cleaning compositions of the present invention
preferably comprise stable water suspensions of nanolatexes (which
may be referred to as "nanolatex materials" or "nanolatex
polymers").
[0011] Preferred monomers constituting the nanolatex include, but
are not limited to: metacrylic acid and its salts, esters of
methacrylic acid, preferably methyl and butyl methacrylate, diMEG,
styrene, styrene sulfonate, and 1-Propanesulfonic acid,
2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl) amino]-(9CI) (also referred to
herein as "AMPS").
[0012] The present invention is also directed to a method of
cleaning carpets and other materials. In the case of carpet
cleaning, the method comprises the steps of:
[0013] (a) locating the carpet;
[0014] (b) applying a carpet cleaning composition to at least a
portion of said carpet, said carpet cleaning composition comprising
at least a nanolatex material and water; and
[0015] (c) allowing the carpet cleaning composition to dry.
[0016] The method may also comprise a step of vacuuming the carpet.
Steps (a) to (c) can be repeated one or more times before
vacuuming.
[0017] Preferably, in the case of carpet cleaning, the composition
is applied by a sprayer, more preferably by a trigger or pump
sprayer and even more preferably by an electrical sprayer, wherein
the electrical sprayer can be battery or power operated. The
composition can, however, be applied in any manner known in the art
to carpets or other materials or surfaces.
[0018] All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a
weight basis based on a neat product unless otherwise
indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods
for cleaning surfaces such as carpets. More particularly, the
present invention relates to cleaning compositions that contain
nanolatexes and methods for cleaning carpets and other materials
which use such compositions.
[0020] Carpet Cleaning Compositions
[0021] A first embodiment of the invention is a carpet cleaning
composition and a process for cleaning rugs and carpets. This
composition is particularly useful for cleaning carpets and rugs
comprised of synthetic fibers, more particularly polyamid or
polyester fibers. This embodiment is not intended to be limiting
and one skill in the art will understand that the process can be
applied both synthetic and natural fibers such as wool, linen, hemp
or silk.
[0022] Nanolatex
[0023] The term "nanolatex", as used herein, refers to latex
materials that are in the form of nanoparticles (particles having
an average particle size as measured using light scattering
techniques of less than or equal to about 500 nanometers). In
preferred embodiments, the nanolatexes have a molecular weight
greater than or equal to about 20,000, or any molecular weight
greater than 20,000, including, but not limited to greater than or
equal to about 200,000.
[0024] The nanolatex polymer (P) comprises:
[0025] hydrophobic monomers "units" (N) that are uncharged or
non-ionizable at the pH of said composition in normal conditions of
use;
[0026] optionally at least one hydrophilic monomer unit chosen from
the group consisting of:
[0027] (F1) cationic or cationizable monomers at the pH of said
composition in normal conditions of use;
[0028] (F2) amphoteric monomers at the pH of said composition in
normal conditions of use;
[0029] (F3) anionic or anionizable monomers at the pH of said
composition in normal conditions of use;
[0030] (F4) uncharged or non-ionizable hydrophilic monomers at the
pH of said composition in normal conditions of use;
[0031] any combination thereof; and
[0032] optionally, at least one reticulating unit (R).
[0033] Examples of substances from which monomer units (N) and (F)
may be derived, include, but are not limited to: .alpha.-.beta.
monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and the monomer units (R)
may be derived from diethylenically unsaturated monomers. In other
embodiments, the hydrophobic units (N) are derived from
vinylaromatic monomers, .alpha.-.beta. fatty acid alkylester
monoethylenically unsaturated, vinylesters or allyl of saturated
carboxylic acids, or .alpha.-.beta. monoethylenically unsaturated
nitriles.
[0034] Examples of substances from which the cationic or
cationizable hydrophilic units (F1) may be derived, include, but
are not limited to: N,N (dialkylaminoalkyl) amides of
.alpha.-.beta. carboxylic acids monoethylenically unsaturated,
.alpha.-.beta. aminoesters monoethylenically unsaturated, or
monomers which are precursors of primary amine functions by
hydrolysis.
[0035] The amphoteric hydrophilic units (F2) may be derived in a
number of manners, including, but not limited to: from
N,N-dimethyl-N-methacryloylo- xyethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)
sulfobetaine ammonium, from
N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-methacrylamidoethyl)-N-(3-sulfopropyl) betaine
ammonium, from 1-vinyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl) betaine irmidazolidium,
from 1-(3-sulfopropyl)-2-vinylpyridinium betaine, and also from the
reaction of quaternization of N(dialkylaminoalkyl) amides of
.alpha.-.beta. carboxylic acids ethylenically unsaturated or from
.alpha.-.beta. aminoesters monoethylenically unsaturated by a
alkali metal chloroacetate or sultone propane chloroacetate.
[0036] The hydrophilic anionic or anionizable (F3) units may be
derived in a number of manners, including, but not limited to: from
.alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically unsaturated having at
least one carboxylic function, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers
monoethylenically unsaturated having at least one sulfate or
sulfonate function, .alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically
unsaturated having at least one phosphonate or phosphate function,
and their hydrosoluble salts, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers
monoethylenically unsaturated being precursors of carboxylate
function(s) by hydrolysis.
[0037] The hydrophilic uncharged or non-oinizable (F4) units may be
derived in a number of manners, including, but not limited to: from
.alpha.-.beta. hydroxyalkylester acids monoethylenically
unsaturated, from .alpha.-.beta. amide acids monoethylenically
unsaturated, from .alpha.-.beta. monomers ethylenically unsaturated
carrying a hydrosoluble polyoxyalkylened segment, from
.alpha.-.beta. monomers monoethylenically unsaturated being
precursors of vinylic alcohol units or polyvynilic alcohol segments
by polymerization then hydrolysis, or from methacrylamido of
2-imidazolidinone ethyl.
[0038] Examples of monomers from which the reticulating units (R)
are derived, include, but are not limited to: divinylbenzene,
dimethacrylate of ethylene glycol, the allyl methacrylate,
methylene bis (acrylamide), and glyoxal bis (acrylamide).
[0039] The choice and the relative amount of said monomer or
monomers from which are derived the unit(s) (N), (F) and (R) of the
polymer (P) are such that the polymer (P) preferably has a Tg of
greater than about 25.degree. C., more preferably between about
25.degree. C. and about 150.degree. C., even more preferably
between about 25.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C., still more
preferably between about 40.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C.,
most preferably between about 50.degree. C. and about 80.degree.
C., and remains non-soluble in the operating conditions of the
composition of the present invention. The polymer (P) may
alternatively have a Tg of any value in excess of 25.degree. C., or
within any narrower ranges that fall within the above ranges (e.g.,
between about 30 and about 110.degree. C).
[0040] In some embodiments, at least about 70% of the total mass of
the polymer (P) is composed of hydrophobic (N) units and optionally
not more than about 30% of the total mass of said polymer (P) is
composed of hydrophilic (F) units, and less than about 20%,
preferably less than about 10%, most preferably less than about 5%
of the total mass of the polymer (P) is composed of reticulating
units.
[0041] Examples of monomers from which the reticulating units (R)
are derived, include, but are not limited to: divinylbenzene,
dimethacrylate of ethylene glycol, the allyl methacrylate,
methylene bis (acrylamide), and glyoxal bis (acrylamide).
[0042] The polymer (P) can be obtained by any process known in the
art such as radical polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated
monomers in the aqueous medium. Some processes for preparing
nanoparticle latexes with small diameter particles are better
described in Colloid Polym. Sci. 266:462-469 (1988) and in Journal
of Colloid and Interface Science. Vol. 89. No. 1, September 1982,
pages 185 and following pages. One mode of preparation of latex
with particles having an average size smaller than 100 nm,
particularly having an average size between 1 nm and 60 nm, more
particularly having an average size between 5 nm and 40 nm is
described in European Patent publication EP-A-644,205.
[0043] According to the present invention, the polymer (P) is
considered as being non-soluble when less than about 15%,
preferably less than about 10% of its weight is soluble in the
aqueous or humid (moist) medium in which the composition is used at
the temperature and pH of the medium.
[0044] The pH of the composition ranges between 2 and 12 depending
on the intended use. For carpet cleaning compositions, one
desirable range of pH is between about 2 and about 6.
[0045] Preferred nanolatexes are produced by emulsion
polymerization of monomers selected from: methacrylic acid and its
salts, alkylmethacrylate, preferably methyl and butyl methacrylate,
diMEG, styrene, styrene sulfonic acid and its salts, AMPS.
Preferred nanolatexes are based on polystyrene containing AMPS as
co-monomer. The nanolatex may, thus, comprise alkylmethacrylate
and/or styrene units, optionally carboxylic acid, and/or styrene
sulfonic acid functionalities. In some embodiments, the composition
is substantially free of malic anhydride copolymers.
[0046] Because nanolatexes are produced by emulsion polymerization,
surfactants, emulsifiers and other polymerization additives might
be present in the compositions according to the present invention
as a consequence of the addition of the nanolatex raw material.
Among these, surfactants are the most abundant. The surfactants can
be present in any suitable concentration. Preferably, the
concentration of the surfactant in the final formulations for
carpet cleaning is less than about 5% by weight, or any number less
than 5%, such as less than or equal to about 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or
less than or equal to about 0.5% by weight.
[0047] Because it is desirable that the composition does not form a
film upon water evaporation, nanolatexes with a Tg of greater than
about 25.degree. C. are preferred. The composition can also contain
blends of high and low (i.e., less than 25.degree. C.) Tg
nanolatexes in a ratio that prevents the formation of a film upon
water casting at 25.degree. C.
[0048] The preferred average particle size is below about 500 nm,
preferably below about 300 nm, more preferably between about 20 nm
and about 250 nm. The average particle size of the nanolatex
particles can fall within other suitable ranges of particle size
that fall within the above ranges, including but not limited to
from about 10 nm to about 500 nm, more preferably from about 20 nm
to about 300 nm, and most preferably from about 20 to about 100
nm.
[0049] The nanolatex can be present in any suitable concentration
in the compositions. In some embodiments, however, the
concentration is preferably between about 0.1 and about 10%, and is
preferably less than about 7%, and more preferably is between about
0.5 and about 5%. The concentration of the nanolatex in the
composition can also be present below any number or within any
range of numbers that falls within the aforementioned ranges of
concentration.
[0050] The compositions described herein can be formulated as
liquid compositions. Preferred compositions herein are aqueous
compositions and therefore, preferably comprise water, more
preferably in an amount of from 60% to 98%, even more preferably of
from 80% to 97% and most preferably 85% to 97% by weight of the
total composition.
[0051] Optional Ingredients
[0052] The compositions of the present invention may also include
various optional ingredients. These include, but are not limited to
the following: bleaching agents; chelants and radical scavengers;
fluorinated compounds; divalent cations; surfactants; solvents;
soil release polymers; perfumes; and brighteners.
[0053] A bleaching agent can be used to deliver bleachable stain
(especially color stain) removal benefits. Any suitable type of
bleaching agent can be used. Suitable bleaching agents include, but
are not limited to: peroxygen sources, such as hydrogen peroxide,
organic peroxides, preformed peracids and mixtures thereof. One
preferred bleach agent is hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching agent
can be present in any suitable concentration. In several
non-limiting embodiments, peroxygen bleach is present in a
concentration between about 0.01% and about 20%, preferably between
about 0.01% and about 10%, and most preferably is about 4%.
Suitable bleaching agents (and stabilizers therefore) are described
in greater detail in EP 0 629 694 B1, published Dec. 21, 1994.
[0054] Chelants and radical scavengers can be added as stabilizers
of the bleaching agent, i.e., to minimize the Available Oxygen
(AvO) loss upon storage of the product. Suitable chelants include,
but are not limited to HEDP, EDTA, NTA, and biodegradable chelants
such as s,s-ethylene diamino disuccinate and dipicolonic acid.
[0055] Fluorinated Compounds
[0056] Fluorinated compounds, or mixtures thereof may be added to
the composition to provide an anti-resoiling benefit. Any
fluorinated compound known to those skilled in the art providing
the benefit of rendering a carpet first cleaned with a composition
less prone to soil and thus facilitating next-time cleaning
operation ("anti-resoiling performance benefit") may be used in the
compositions employed in the process according to the present
invention. Preferably, the fluorinated compound herein is a
fluorinated anti-resoiling compound. By "fluorinated anti-resoiling
compound" it is meant herein, any compound providing an
anti-resoiling benefit to the compositions used in the process
herein.
[0057] Suitable fluorinated compounds herein are selected from the
group consisting of fluoropolymers and fluorosurfactants and
mixtures thereof.
[0058] Suitable fluoropolymers are polymers or compounds having
pendent or end groups of perfluoroalkyl moieties, such as
fluorinated polyacrylates; fluorinated polymethacrylates;
fluorinated copolymers including acrylic and/or methacrylic and/or
maleic monomers; fluorinated urethanes; fluorinated polyurethanes;
and mixtures thereof.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, said fluorinated compound is a fluoropolymer.
Preferably, the fluorinated compound herein is a fluorinated
polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, urethane or polyurethane.
[0060] By "fluorinated polyacrylates" it is meant herein any
polymer of acrylic acid carrying pendent or end groups of
polyfluoroalkyl moieties. By "fluorinated polymethacrylates" it is
meant herein any polymer of methacrylic acid carrying pendent or
end groups of polyfluoroalkyl moieties. By "fluorinated copolymers
including acrylic and/or methacrylic and/or maleic monomers" it is
meant herein any copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid
and/or maleic acid carrying pendent or end groups of
polyfluoroalkyl moieties.
[0061] Preferably, said polyfluoroalkyl moiety is a linear or
branched polyfluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,
preferably from 1 to 16, even more preferably from 3 to 12.
Preferably, the polyfluoroalkyl group according to the above
description is a perfluoroalkyl group. Typically, the
polyfluoroalkyl moiety has the following structure: 1
[0062] wherein n ranges from 0 to 20, preferably from 1 to 16, more
preferably from 2 to 12, even more preferably from 3 to 10, and is
esterified with some or all of the carboxylic groups of the
fluorinated polyacrylates, fluorinated polymethacrylates or
fluorinated copolymers including acrylic and/or methacrylic and/or
maleic monomers.
[0063] Preferably, the fluorinated polyacrylates, fluorinated
polymethacrylates and fluorinated copolymers including acrylic
and/or methacrylic and/or maleic monomers have a molecular weight
of from 500 to 200,000, more preferably from 1,000 to 150,000, and
even more preferably from 1,500 to 100,000.
[0064] Suitable fluorinated polyacrylates are commercially
available under the trade name Syntran 4010E.RTM. from
Interpolymer; Asahi Guard AG-7000.RTM., Asahi Guard AG-8095.RTM.,
and Asahi Guard AG-1100.RTM., all from Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
[0065] By "fluorinated urethanes or polyurethanes" it is meant
herein any compound, polymer or copolymer synthesized from at least
the following components: 1) a bifunctional or polyfunctional
isocyanate; and 2) a compound or monomer containing a
polyfluoroalkyl group.
[0066] Specific examples of bifunctional isocyanate compounds are
aromatic isocyanates such as 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, tolidine
diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, dianisidine
diisocyanate, 2-methyl-cyclohexane 1,4-diisocyanate, isophorone
diisocyanate, and aliphatic isocyanates such as hexamethylene
diisocyanate or decamethylene diisocyanate. If these isocyanates
are represented by the general formula OCN--Y--NCO (wherein Y
stands for any aromatic or aliphatic group), and if OCN--Y--NCO is
reacted by itself in the presence of water, a dimer of formula
OCN--Y--NHCONH--Y--NCO will be formed. The bifunctional isocyanate
compound includes such a dimer.
[0067] Polyfunctional isocyanate compounds include, for example,
trifunctional, tetrafunctional and pentafunctional isocyanates. In
addition, two or more isocyanate compounds having different bi- or
polyfunctionalities may be used in combination in the same
fluorinated polyurethane. Specific examples of trifunctional
isocyanate compounds are given below. As mentioned above for the
bifunctional isocyanate compounds, however, the trifunctional
isocyanate compound further includes compounds having tri-NCO
groups such as a trimer of formula 2
[0068] obtainable by reaction of a monomer of formula OCN--Y--NCO
with a dimer of the formula OCN--Y--NHCONH--Y--NCO, and a tetramer
of formula 3
[0069] obtainable by reaction of two molecules of such a dimer.
[0070] Specific examples of such a trifunctional isocyanate
compound include the following compounds: 4
[0071] Specific examples of monomers or compounds containing a
polyfluoroalkyl group are according to the following formulae:
5
[0072] wherein Rf is a linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group
having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 16, even
more preferably from 3 to 12. Other examples of monomers or
compounds include esters of polyfluoroalkyl alcohols;
polyfluoroalkyl amines; and in general any compound that includes a
polyfluoroalkyl radical and carries one or more functional groups
having one or more Zerewitinoff hydrogen atoms. In the Zerewitinoff
et al. method, an active hydrogen-containing organic compound
(--OH, --COOH, --NH, etc.) is reacted with a CH.sub.3Mg halide to
liberate CH.sub.4 which, measured volumetrically, gives a
quantitative estimate of the active hydrogen content of the
compound. Primary amines give 1 mol of CH.sub.4 when reacted in the
cold; usually two mols when heated (Organic Chemistry by Paul
Karrer, English Translation published by Elsevier 1938, page
135).
[0073] Two or more different kinds of these compounds may be used
in combination. Further, two or more compounds having different
carbon numbers for Rf may be used in combination. Preferably, the
polyfluoroalkyl group according to the above description is a
perfluoroalkyl group.
[0074] The fluorinated polyurethanes according to the present
invention may also include other monomers, for instance to improve
the efficiency of their synthesis, or to impart certain mechanical
characteristics to the final material obtained. These additional
monomers are described in the prior art, for instance examples are
given in EP-A-0 414 155 (Asahi Glass Company LTD).
[0075] Fluorinated urethane compounds suitable for the present
invention are described also in U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,564 to Du Pont
de Nemours and Company.
[0076] Suitable fluorinated urethanes or polyurethanes are
commercially available for example under the trade name Asahi Guard
AG-320A.RTM., Asahi Guard AG-850.RTM., Asahi Guard AG-530N.RTM.,
all from Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.; and under the trade name Zonyl
1250.RTM. from DuPont De Nemours Inc. Suitable fluorinated polymers
are also urethane perfluoroalkyl ester compounds such as Zonyl
TBCU-A.RTM. from DuPont De Nemours Inc.
[0077] Suitable fluorosurfactants are, for example, selected from
the group consisting of: fluoroalkyl carboxylates; fluoroalkyl
sulphates; fluoroalkyl sulphonates; fluoroalkyl phosphates;
fluoroalkyl polyethoxyalcohols; fluoroalkyl ammonium; fluoroalkyl
betaines or sulphobetaines or other zwitterionic forms; and
mixtures thereof.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, said fluorinated compound is a fluorosurfactant.
Preferably, the fluorinated compound herein is a fluorosurfactant
selected from the group consisting of: fluoroalkyl carboxylates;
fluoroalkyl sulphates; fluoroalkyl sulphonates; fluoroalkyl
phosphates; fluoroalkyl phosphonates; fluoroalkyl
polyethoxyalcohols; fluoroalkyl ammonium; fluoroalkyl betaines or
sulphobetaines or other zwitterionic forms; and mixtures
thereof.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the general structure of
fluorosurfactants suitable for the present invention is: 6
[0080] wherein Rf is a linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group
having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 16, even
more preferably from 3 to 12. Preferably, the polyfluoroalkyl group
according to the above description is a perfluoroalkyl group. The
functional group X can be any of the above listed functional
groups, for example --SO.sub.3--; --OSO.sub.3--; --OPO.sub.3 2--;
--PO.sub.3; --COO--; --O(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nH, wherein n can
range from 1 to 50, preferably from 2 to 20;
--N.sup.+R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3, wherein any of R.sub.1, R.sub.2,
R.sub.3 can be a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated alkyl
group, or a cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, or a substituted
alkyl or aryl group, preferably an alkyl group and even more
preferably a methyl group.
[0081] Other preferred fluorosurfactant structures according to the
present invention are according to the following formulae: 7
[0082] wherein Rf is a linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group
having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 16, even
more preferably from 3 to 12.
[0083] Typical countercations for anionic functional groups of
fluorosurfactants according to the present invention is H.sup.+ or
a metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium,
magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g.,
methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary
ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl
piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from
alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and
mixtures thereof, and the like). Typical counteranions for cationic
functional groups of fluorosurfactants according to the present
invention are, for example, chloride, fluoride, bromide, sulphate,
nitrate, mesilate, acetate, citrate and the like. Any countercation
and counteranion that does not have a negative impact on the
antiresoiling properties of the fluorosurfactants according to the
present invention may be used.
[0084] Suitable fluorosurfactants are commercially available for
example under the trade name Zonyl FSP.RTM., Zonyl FSE.RTM., Zonyl
FSJ.RTM., Zonyl NF.RTM., Zonyl TBS.RTM., Zonyl FS-62.RTM., Zonyl
FSA.RTM., Zonyl FSK.RTM., Zonyl 7950.RTM., Zonyl 9075.RTM., Zonyl
FSO.RTM., Zonyl FSN.RTM., Zonyl FS-300.RTM., Zonyl FS-310.RTM.,
Zonyl FSN-100.RTM., Zonyl FSO-100.RTM., all available from DuPont
De Nemours Inc.; Fluorad.RTM. fluorosurfactants from 3M Inc.;
Surflon.RTM. fluorosurfactants from Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
[0085] Typically, the liquid compositions herein comprise from
about 0.0001% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.0005% to about
7%, more preferably from about 0.001% to about 5%, and even more
preferably from about 0.001% to about 1%, alternatively from about
0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the total composition of a
fluorinated compound or a mixture thereof. Typical combinations of
nanolatex and fluorinated compounds are those in which the weight
ratio between the nanolatex and the fluorinated compound is between
about 100:1 and about 1:1, more preferably between about 80:1 and
about 2:1, even more preferably between about 40:1 and about 5:1,
and most preferably between about 30:1 and about 10:1.
[0086] Divalent cations can bridge separate nanolatex particles
during water casting favoring the formation of easy to vacuum
polymer aggregates. Divalent cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+
having an inorganic counterion, such as sulfate, chloride, nitrate,
phosphate etc. Any suitable concentration of the diavalent cations
can be used. The concentration of the divalent cations is
preferably low enough to prevent a significant agglomeration of the
nanolatex particles in the formulation. One suitable concentration
of the divalent cations is between about 1.times.10.sup.-8M and
about 1.times.10.sup.-2M.
[0087] Surfactants can be used for cleaning, particularly greasy
soil cleaning. Suitable surfactants can include anionic, cationic,
nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants. Preferred surfactants are
the anionic ones. Some preferred anionic surfactants are alkaline
hearth salts of alkyl sulfate and benzene alkyl sulfonate, with the
alkyl chain being linear or branched and containing between about 2
and about 30 carbon atoms, more preferably between about 5 and
about 20 and even more preferably between 10 and 18. In some
embodiments, the composition is preferably substantially free of
glycoside surfactants.
[0088] When the composition is to be applied by spraying, the
surfactants are preferably non-irritating to the user. In such
embodiments, the composition may comprise a nonirritating anionic
surfactant rated nonirritating to the mucous membranes of the
person spraying the composition as measured at a 5% active
surfactant solution using the Draize test method. The Draize test
method (Draize, J. H., Appraisal of the Safety of Chemicals in
Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, Assoc. Food Drug Officials, U.S.,
Topeka, Kans., 1959) is used to test ingredients (such as
surfactants) in food, drug and/or cosmetic products for their
irritation properties to skin, eyes, mucous membranes and the
like.
[0089] Suitable non-irritating anionic surfactants can be selected
from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants,
sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulphonate surfactants, alkyl
sulphate surfactants, sulfosuccinamate surfactants,
sulfosuccinamide surfactants, carboxylate surfactants and mixtures
thereof. Preferably, said non-irritating anionic surfactants are
selected from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants
sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulphonate surfactants, alkyl
sulphate surfactants, carboxylate surfactants and mixtures thereof.
More preferably, said non-irritating anionic surfactants are
selected from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants,
sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulphonate surfactants, alkyl
sulphate surfactants and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably,
said nonirritating anionic surfactants are selected from the group
consisting of sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulphate
surfactants, alkyl sulphonate surfactants and mixtures thereof.
Most preferably, said non-irritating anionic surfactants are
selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinate surfactants,
alkyl sulphate surfactants and mixtures thereof. Non-irritating
surfactants preferred for use in sprayable compositions are
described in greater detail in European Patent Publication EP 01
059 349 A1, published Dec. 13, 2000.
[0090] The surfactants can be present in any suitable
concentration. It has been found, however, that providing a
composition with too high a level of sufactant can lead to
problems. Increasing the level of surfactant can lower the minimal
film forming temperature of the composition, resulting in the
formation of films which are more difficult to remove by vacuuming.
In certain embodiments, therefore, the level of surfactant is less
than about 5%. In other embodiments, the surfactant can be present
at any numerical level that is less than 5% (e.g., 4.5%, 4%, . . .
, 1%, etc.).
[0091] The composition may also include volatile solvents.
Preferably, the volatile solvents used herein have a boiling point
below about 50.degree. C. Suitable volatile solvents include, but
are not limited to MeOH, EtOH, and isopropyl alcohol. The volatile
solvents can be present in any suitable concentration. In one
embodiment, the volatile solvents are included at a concentration
of less than about 5%. Suitable volatile organic solvents are
described in greater detail in European Patent Application EP 0 949
325 A1, published Oct. 13, 1999.
[0092] Suitable soil suspending polymers include polycarboxylate or
polyamine polymers. Such soil suspending polymers are described in
greater detail in European Patent Publication EP 0 751 213 A1,
published Jan. 2, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,065 issued to Scialla,
et al. on May 18, 1999).
[0093] The compositions of the present invention are preferably
substantially free of certain ingredients, such as pigments.
Methods of Cleaning Carpets The present invention also relates to
methods of cleaning carpets. The methods comprise the steps of:
[0094] (a) locating a carpet;
[0095] (b) applying the carpet cleaning compositions described
herein to at least a portion of said carpet, said carpet cleaning
composition comprising a nanolatex material and water; and
[0096] (c) allowing the carpet cleaning composition to dry.
[0097] The method may also comprise a step of vacuuming the carpet.
Steps (a) to (c) can be repeated one or more times before
vacuuming.
[0098] The composition can be applied to the carpet in any suitable
manner. Preferably, the composition is applied by a sprayer, more
preferably by a trigger or pump sprayer and even more preferably by
an electrical sprayer, wherein the electrical sprayer can be
battery or power operated.
[0099] In one non-limiting embodiment, the droplet size
distribution of the sprayed composition has an average value
greater than or equal to about 200 nm, more preferably greater than
or equal to about 400 nm. It has been found that, while smaller
size droplets may be preferred for wool carpets when the
composition contains peroxide, the aforementioned droplet sizes are
preferred for use on both wool and nylon carpets, particularly in
the case of peroxide-free compositions.
1 EXAMPLES OF COMPOSITIONS Nanolatex characteristics Soil removal
Monomer composition.sup.+ Composition performance index* MA AMPS
MMA BuA Styr size Tg Conc. % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w nm
.degree. C. pH % w/w Silicon Iron Aluminum 65 35 27 46 4 3 1 5 5 5
95 88 9 3 12 1 17 5 95 88 9 3 18 na 19 5 95 88 4 3 6 4 5 5 95 240
126 9 3 36 4 29 99 1 74 112 4 3 2 0 2 99 1 114 120 4 3 0 0 0 99 1
256 118 4 3 20 0 0 100 40 108 4 3 4 4 0 .sup.+MA = methacrylic acid
AMPS = 1-Propanesulfonic acid,
2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-(9CI) MMA = methyl
methacrylate BuA = Butyl acrylate Styr = Styrene % w/w - refers to
weight percentage. *calculated as
[(Element.sub.vacuum-Element.sub.nanolatex) .times.
100/Element.sub.vacuum] where Element is the concentration of
Silicon, Iron or Aluminum containing soil measured directly on the
carpet by X-ray fluorescence. The higher the soil removal
performance index, the more soil is removed due to the application
of the nanolatex containing formulation.
[0100] The compositions are made by combining the ingredients in
the listed proportions. Thus, for example, the first composition
will comprise a combination of nanolatexes comprising 65% by weight
methyl methacrylate and 35% by weight of butyl acrylate. This
nanolatex composition will be diluted with water to form a carpet
cleaning composition comprising 3% of this nanolatex composition
and 97% water.
[0101] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is
believed that water based formulations for carpet cleaning based on
nanolatexes which do not form a film, but aggregates upon water
casting are easily removed by vacuuming especially if compared to
film forming polymers delivered as aqueous solutions.
[0102] Film forming polymers, such as polymethacrylic acid form
brittle, but thin films, whereas non-film forming nanolatexes form
thicker aggregates. When sprayed on a nylon carpet surface, the
removal by vacuuming of the polymethacrylic acid composition ranges
between about 25 and about 50% by weight, whereas the one of the
nanolatex composition ranges between about 40 and about 80% by
weight.
[0103] The compositions described herein provide a number of
benefits for cleaning carpets and fabrics. Without wishing to be
bound by any particular theory, when the water in the composition
evaporates, the nanolatex forms a composite with the soil in the
carpet and entraps particulate soils. The surfactant is useful in
removing greasy soils from the carpets and fabrics. The peroxygen
bleach is effective for removing color stains from the carpets and
fabrics.
[0104] The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any
patents which issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published
foreign patent applications), and publications mentioned throughout
this description are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is
expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents
incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present
invention.
[0105] The foregoing has described the principles, preferred
embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention.
However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to
the particular embodiments discussed. Thus, the above-described
embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive, and it should be appreciated that variations may be
made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *